As I prepare to leave for Chicago, I was thinking that today's game against the Bears is as close to a must win as any opening day game can be.

Realistically, it is one of two road games this year that the Lions should win. If they do not, we will again be inundated with stories about the inability of the Lions to win on the road. Columnists and sports talk radio personalities will fill our collective thoughts with diatribes about the failures of Matt Millen, William Clay Ford, and the likes of Joey Harrington, Robert Porcher, Matt Lehmann and others.

A win would at least change the incessant drivel from 0-24 to 1-24, and give us a reprieve until the next road game.

A win would provide some assurances that the direction of the team under Mariucci is headed in the right direction. A loss will provide ammunition to the Mooch bashers who constantly bemoan the "west coast offense" as being pass?.

A win will allow long suffering Lions fans to think about 8-8 or 9-7 as a distinct possibility. A loss will make many believe that we are in for another 5-11 or 4-12 season.

But most importantly, a win will allow me to work in Chicago next week without having to listen to story after story about "Da Bears". After all, it is all about me.

Rabbi,

here, here.... and here's to you having a very pleasent work week in Chicago next week!

GO LIONS!

You can wear your Lions hat proudly, Rabbi. Tell dem Bear fans dey did good but not good enough and keep on tryin (snicker),